TRADE DATA FIELD GUIDE
Read the field.
Keep its meaning.
Practical definitions for researching import buyers and suppliers. These explain how to interpret the website examples; the selected dataset’s field definitions remain essential.
HS code
A product classification used to organize trade records. The international HS uses six-digit commodity groups; the country examples on this site may display longer national codes.
Research check: Check the classification and description together. A code alone does not establish a grade, model or application.
See a search that changed product category ↗Importer
The business identified in the dataset’s importer field. Use its legal name and identifier, where available, to investigate the company.
Research check: An importer may be a trader or an end user. A shipment does not prove a current purchasing requirement.
Investigate importer identity ↗Consignee
The party named in a consignment or bills record as consignee. Preserve that recorded role when building a prospect list.
Research check: Do not automatically merge consignee, importer and purchasing decision-maker into one role.
Review separate company roles ↗Exporter and supplier
These are separately labelled supply-side roles in some TradeDaas records. Keep both names when the detail distinguishes them.
Research check: The exporting business is not automatically the manufacturer. A recorded relationship does not prove exclusive supply.
Explore an exporter and supplier example ↗Origin and dispatch country
Origin and the country from which goods are dispatched answer different sourcing questions. Retain the source field labels.
Research check: Do not substitute supplier country or loading port for goods origin.
Review different exporter and origin countries ↗Declared value, CIF and FOB
A value field needs its currency, scale and valuation label. CIF means Cost, Insurance and Freight; FOB means Free On Board.
Research check: A customs or shipment amount is not a current supplier quotation. Confirm dataset definitions and comparable product specifications before calculating or comparing values.
See separately labelled FOB and CIF amounts ↗Quantity and weight
A quantity includes a unit. Bags, packages, kilograms and tons cannot be added together without a justified conversion.
Research check: A package count does not establish its net weight. Keep item-level amounts separate from declaration totals.
Review package quantity in a record ↗Coverage and freshness
Historical coverage, database latest date, query period and sample date describe different parts of the evidence.
Research check: A recent sample is not a promise that every product or dataset updates at the same frequency.
Understand the four date questions ↗Buyer qualification
A research process that combines product fit, company identity, relevant trading activity and a verified business role.
Research check: Trade evidence supports investigation; it does not establish consent, technical compatibility or a guaranteed sales opportunity.
Follow documented research examples ↗Definitions and sources.
The World Customs Organization’s HS overview explains the international classification. Field-role and research notes above draw on the linked TradeDaas examples. This guide does not determine tariff classification or replace the dataset’s valuation definitions.